See slide show at bottom

(Upper photo) Carole Dortch Wright (Second from left) with her father and sisters. (Lower Photo) Carole with PRAHD Director Yvonne Lopez, MC Adrian Council from Advanced Magazine, and Wright’s husband, Horace      *Photos by Carolyn Maxwell

On Friday, February 19, 2016, the Amboy Guardian attended the 3^rd Annual PRAHD celebration of African American History Month. The PRAHD luncheon celebrates the legacy of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. Schomburg was a Puerto Rican activist who brought to the forefront the contributions of African-Americans and Puerto Ricans and how the two cultures intertwined in a positive way. Because of Schomburg, PRAHD created an award in his honor to be given to individuals in the Perth Amboy community who exemplify his spirit. This award is given in February (during Black History Month).

The first recipient of this award was given to Police Officer Henry Rodgers in 2014. In 2015 PRAHD celebrated contributions of lifelong Perth Amboy Resident Dorothy Daniel. This year, the spotlight was on to Carole Dortch-Wright.

All 3 of these individuals have contributed to the community in different ways and continue to do so. Rodgers was not honored for his work as a Police Officer, but in also his involvement in several community minded organizations. Daniel was an integral   leader through her work with the DVRT, also as a Housing Commissioner, and her work with children not only in the schools but in different community and religious organizations. Carole Dortch-Wright has been a tireless worker as a member of the Cathedral International where she is in charge of media coordination. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of PRAHD and she is a former government worker. She is well deserving of this honor.

This year, PRAHD’s Executive Director, Yvonne Lopez proudly presented as one of the guest speakers Dean WArren Schomburg, the grandson of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg as one of the main speakers. Dean spoke about the importance of the work that his grandfather did in letting the world know about the contributions that African-Americans made to society.

Arturo was upset that African-Americans were mostly known as being slaves. He knew that this had to be corrected and their history and contributions had to be told and passed down to future generations. “My grandfather embraced the philosophy that you should know where you came from. He was so passionate about it. He knew this was his calling.

He spoke about how his grandfather was born in 1874, but came to America in 1891. His grandfather had 7 sons and 1 daughter. “I am the son of the 7^th son.”

He compared the common traits of Carole Dortch Wrightand his grandfather shared, “Carole is a faithful person who believes you must not let that voice of negativity affect you. She also believes that remembering past victories gives you courage to persevere and have more victories. In other words, if you have a victory – work on it – move on it. If you stir things up – your dreams will become revealed to you. She is battle tested. She first experienced racism when she was in a teaching position and a racial slur was thrown at her. She was taken aback, but that didn’t stop her.”

Schomburg spoke how he learned about PRAHD while he was channel surfing looking for a weather report. “I came upon a 5 minute spot on PRAHD. After watching this highlight program I said to myself, I have to get in touch with Yvonne Lopez. We were able to connect in person 6 months later. Things just fell right into play.”

Carol Dortch-Wright added, “It wasn’t luck; it was Divine influence.”

The Master of Ceremonies, Positive Community Magazine Publisher, Adrian A. Council Sr., PRAHD Director Yvonne Lopez, Pastor Michael Wilkerson Leach of the Cathedral International, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno of New Jersey, Mayor Wilda Diaz and Bob Durso, all spoke highly of Carol Dortch-Wright.

First of all, congratulations are in order to the Executive Director of PRAHD, Yvonne Lopez for initiating the Schomburg Award. The individuals that received this award worked in the community helping others without a thought of getting a thought  of getting a pat on the back. It is naturally in their hearts.

Congratulations to Carole Dortch-Wright, Yvonne Lopez, who herself will be honored in Newark this coming spring. These individuals are hard workers who are positive examples for future generations to come. PRAHD helps people in need of all races, ages and ethnicities. If you need more information about the organization and services offered contact PRAHD: 732-442-1081 C.M. & K.M.